Background
Determining the etiology of ascites is a challenge in some patients even after the advent of modern diagnostic tools. In this study, we assessed the extent of assistance laparoscopy adds to the other diagnostic tools in cases of ascites of obscure origin.
Patients and methods
In patients with ascites in whom diagnostic modalities failed to determine the etiology of ascites, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed.
Results
In 43 patients, the etiology of ascites could not be determined, and they underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, where biopsies from suspected lesions, nodule, peritoneum, and masses were taken. Diagnostic laparoscopy outcome revealed abdominal mass in 7%, peritoneal nodules in 34.9%, histopathologic outcome positive for malignancy in 7%, tuberculosis in 51.1%, peritonitis in 34.9%, and unknown etiology in 7%.
Conclusion
Laparoscopy combined with biopsy can add to the diagnosis of ascites of unknown origin and can lead to the diagnosis in more than 90% of cases.